After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Emotional Shift After the Kiss Incident and Shizuku’s Jealousy

“Shizuku, it’s your order. It’s best for you to enjoy it yourself.”

“Oh? Are you saying you’re wasting my goodwill?”

“Don’t get upset. I really appreciate the thought itself.”

“You look like you’re afraid of something. What could be so terrifying about a parfait?”

Though neither of us is explicitly mentioning it, the kiss incident lingers in the back of our minds.

“I’m not scared. By the way, why are you so fixated on chocolate desserts, Shizuku?”

“W-what’s wrong with that?”

“Chocolate isn’t really the main feature of this parfait. I don’t think it’s worth emphasizing so much.”

Shizuku seems to want to keep the conversation flowing, but I decide to tease her a little.

“I just love chocolate. Is that a problem?”

“More than just love, I’d say you have some deep attachment to it.”

“Huh? Huh? No, I don’t! It’s not like there’s a taste I can’t forget or that I picked this place specifically because of this parfait!”

Her words tumble out quickly, showing how much is running through her mind.

“Let’s stop this. We’re not suited for these petty mind games.”

“That’s true. Neither of us has the skill to keep it going. Seii-kun, you’re as sharp as ever.”

“Let’s drop the tricks and have an open conversation.”

Since Shizuku refuses to bring up the topic, I decide to address it directly.

“What do you think about the chocolate game from four years ago?”

“That’s a sharp knife you’ve just thrust in.”

“I just want to confirm. Times have changed, and it wouldn’t be strange for your feelings to change too.”

Why am I being so direct about this?

Probably because I want to understand Shizuku’s feelings better. From her perspective, there’s been a new rival on the scene recently.

I feel the need to reevaluate what Shizuku, who has been with me for four years, truly feels.

“…Before that, let’s finish ordering. This might take a while.”

“Way to snap back to reality.”

We finish placing our orders and refocus.

“I—I thought I wasn’t dwelling on that incident anymore. That was my intention.”

“Yeah.”

“At the time, I was furious. I thought, ‘What on earth have you done to me?’ My innocent self was livid.”

“And now?”

“Of course, I feel differently!”

Her sudden decisive tone surprises me a bit.

“Sorry, I got carried away.”

“It’s fine. Please continue.”

Shizuku takes a deep breath before resuming.

“My feelings for you, Seii-kun, were like a flower bud. Over the years, it finally bloomed. It seemed like nothing was changing, but then it became clear, and I realized what all my confusion meant.”

“And that led to your confession.”

“For me now, that accident was a miracle. It was a sublime experience that I should cherish deep in my heart!”

That incident wasn’t just a turning point for me; it had also changed things for Shizuku. Hearing her say it herself confirms this.

“Even though it was accidental, the fact that I kissed Seii-kun makes me superior to others. At least that’s how I feel.”

“You’re being quite candid.”

“You brought it up, so I’m just answering sincerely.”

She speaks as if it’s the most natural thing.

“Even if new rivals appear, do you think that sense of superiority will remain unshaken?”

“Wait. Did someone else confess to you, Seii-kun?”

“No, that’s not exactly…”

I find myself fiddling with my earlobe unconsciously.

“Lying isn’t good, you know.”

“What makes you think I’m lying?”

“When you lie, you tend to play with your earlobe. It’s about 90% reliable.”

“Is that so?”

“I’ve caught you lying this way before, haven’t I?”

Now that she mentions it, she has.

It’s not easy to change a habit, even when someone points it out. Letting the topic of Shiraishi slip was a mistake.

“You’re right, Shizuku. Another girl I’ve been consulting with seems to have fallen for me. I’ve put off giving her a response for now.”

“How nice it must be to be a counselor. Just listening to someone’s problems can attract members of the opposite sex. Isn’t this essentially a love triangle?”

“Not giving an answer doesn’t mean it counts, right?”

“Delaying a response is even worse, Seii-kun. When did you discover this talent for being a womanizer?”

Even I don’t really understand what’s happening.

Maybe I’ve just suddenly entered my ‘popular phase.’

“What’s her name?”

“Shiraishi.”

“Wait, Shiraishi?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve heard she’s a passionate anime fan, though not as much as I am.”

“She’s more like a friend of a friend.”

“Small world, isn’t it?”

Naturally, I leave out the part about Kujo’s ex-boyfriend stalking her. I don’t want to complicate things when Kujo and Shiraishi aren’t around.

“So, how did this happen?”

“It’s the suspension bridge effect. I saved her from a crisis, and she seems to have fallen for me because of it.”

“Humans have such unreliable brains! Truly!”

Shizuku’s mood is leaning toward the negative.

“Shiraishi is rumored to be cute. Who knows when she might seduce you?”

“You don’t trust me, do you?”

“Search your heart! Or rather, place your hand on your chest and think!”

Her agitation is obvious.

“I’ve been careless. Let’s keep this under wraps and enjoy the moment.”

“Seii-kun, you’re not good at diffusing tension, are you?”

“Ugh.”

Memories of recent conflicts flash through my mind. None of them seem to have been resolved smoothly.

“I’ll handle it instead.”

“What will you do?”

“Simple. I’ll use the parfait I ordered with chocolate toppings to make it work.”

“Don’t tell me…”

“We’ll settle this with an end-bite game.”

Shizuku’s fingers wiggle mischievously. Given the context, the purpose of this game is all too clear.

“There are other customers here. If we actually reach the goal, it’ll be…”

“Our seats are tucked away, so we can enjoy ourselves without worry.”

Shizuku shows no intention of backing down.

This will be our first game in years. My goal is clear: end it without letting her achieve her purpose.

“Will you join the game, or won’t you?”

“Not joining isn’t an option you’ve left open, is it?”

“Correct.”